The Federal Government has extended the closure of airports in the country by two weeks due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Hadi Sirika, the minister of aviation, disclosed this on Monday.
The federal government had shut all international airports in the country on Monday, March 23 for one month as a result of the increase in the spread of COVID-19 but confirmed essential flights will still operate. .
The Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport Abuja are two major entry points into Nigeria.
Tracking COVID-19 in Nigeria
Total Coronavirus Cases, Apr 20
627
Total Coronavirus Deaths, Apr 20
21
Year-to-Date change in NSE ASI
-15
Balance in Excess Crude Account, Dec 2019 (million)
$70
Brent Crude ($ per barrel)
26
The essential flights include aircraft in state of emergency, over flights, operations related to humanitarian aid, medical and relief flights, alternate aerodrome identified in the flight plan, technical stop where passengers do not disembark, cargo flights and other safety related operations.
But announcing on Monday via Twitter, the aviation minister said the airports would no longer open for commercial operations on April 23 due to the extended lockdown in the three cities.
He said, “As a result of the extension on lockdown by Mr President, it is no longer possible for us to open our airspace and airports for normal operations by the 23rd April 2020.
“They will remain closed for a further two weeks. This subject to review as appropriate.”
SOURCE:BUSINESS DAY
